Russian River Cruise MS Fedin (4 star) – Overview 2018

11/12 Days, Cruise between Moscow & St Petersburg

Make your wish to visit Russia come true, with our 11 and 12 day high quality guaranteed Russian River Cruise. Travel with us onboard the newly refurbished 4 star river cruiser MS Konstantin Fedin along the rivers, lakes and canals of Russia, between Moscow and St Petersburg, with included excursions at every stop. Visiting some of the Golden Ring towns and small villages often seen only on river cruises. MS Konstantin Fedin will enjoy a complete refurbishment over the winter 2017/18 before starting her season as a 4 star vessel, offering a range of upgraded, comfortable and spacious standard and deluxe cabins and suites. Price from only €1,085 per person!

Undoubtedly one of the best ways to view the fascinating sights of these two great cities and to discover the spectacular interiors of Russia.

Russian River Cruise – MS Fedin Cabins and Descriptions

Motorship MS Konstantin Fedin (4 star) is a comfortable four-deck vessel (type 301).
Originally built in Germany in 1980, tastefully refurbished in 2017, the motorship is equipped with modern navigational facilities and exceeds the speed of 26 km per hour (around 17 MpH).

DELUXE MAIN DECK

Spacious twin cabin with a large opening scenic window, heating and ventilation system, wardrobe, 220 volt socket, radio.
Cabin is equipped with new furniture and lighting; decorated in modern style.
Refurbished larger bathroom of increased size (shower is situated separately in a corner)

DELUXE BOAT DECK

Spacious twin/double cabin with a large opening scenic window, heating and ventilation system, wardrobe, 220 volt socket, radio. Cabin is equipped with new furniture and lighting; decorated in modern style. Refurbished bathroom of increased size (shower is situated separately in a corner)

STANDARD TWIN

Two-bed outside single-staged cabin with a large opening scenic window, heating and ventilation system, wardrobe, 220 volt socket, radio. Cabin is equipped with new furniture and lighting; decorated in modern style. Refurbished bathroom of increased size (shower is situated separately in a corner)

STANDARD TRIPLE

Three-bed single-staged cabin with two non-opening portholes, equipped with private facilities, heating and ventilation system, refrigerator, wardrobe, 220 volt socket, radio. Cabin is equipped with new furniture and lighting; decorated in modern style. Refurbished bathroom of increased size (shower is situated separately in a corner). Can be used for double accommodation

– Flights
– Arrival and departure transfers:
We can arrange these for you at a total cost of €130, including both arrival and departure transfers and a saloon car for 1-2 persons.
International city airports, city rail stations and central hotels are also included.
For transfers from 22.00 – 07.00 and at all times on public holidays the cost is €180.
– Port tax (€35 per person)
– Optional excursions (available on board)
– Ship Gratuities (approx. €10 per person, per day)
– Local guide gratuities (at your discretion)
– Russian Visa
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenditure

Notes – Russian River Cruise MS Fedin

The itinerary may vary and places visited may be changed locally due to local conditions.

Important – Remember to check entry requirements, a visa is required by most visitors to Russia and must be obtained in advance of arrival.

Important – Check current health requirements by looking at the official travel advice website of your own country, or ask your doctor.

If you require an extended visa support we can supply this from €25 per person (certain nationalities incur a higher extended visa support letter fee) – check with us for details.

How to Book and Pay – Russian River Cruise

Upon confirmation we will collect the non-refundable deposit of 20% of the tour price from the credit card provided.

The balance payment will be collected 70 days prior to departure date.

If you book within 70 days of departure date we will collect the full amount due from the credit card provided.

If your selected date is not available we will offer you an alternative.

Your card will not be charged until you accept the alternative offered.

If you have any special requirements please add details in the notes section.

We will ask you later to provide passport details for the visa support documentation required to apply for your Russian visa (please check with your Consulate if you require a visa).

After you have paid in full, you will receive a voucher and joining details for the tour.

Arrival and departure transfers are NOT included on this tour. Please send full flight or other transportation details if you would like us to provide these.

2018 Itinerary – Moscow to St Petersburg (12 Days)

Day 1 Moscow

Arrive in Moscow. You can pre-book a transfer from airport or rail station to the MS Konstantin Fedin, your home for the next 11 nights. This evening there will be a welcome information briefing on board. This will include details of all optional excursions on offer for your sailing and information on life on board. Enjoy your first evening aboard with dinner, maybe followed by drinks in the bar with live piano music.
Transfer from the airport, bus city tour, Kremlin with the visit to 1 Cathedral,

Day 2 Moscow

Moscow. After breakfast on board, begin your Russia river cruise with sightseeing in Moscow, the capital city of Russia. On a panoramic tour (no entrances included) take in some of the iconic sights, such as Red Square with St Basil’s cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin. The tour will also pass by the Novodevichy Convent and will stop at Sparrow Hills to allow panoramic views over Moscow. Enjoy lunch in a city centre restaurant before continuing to explore within the Kremlin walls to see the former residence of the Russian Tsars, discover the huge Tsar’s Cannon and Bell and visit one of the magnificent cathedrals housed within Cathedral Square, returning to the MS Konstantin Fedin late afternoon.
An optional evening excursion is available.
Dinner on board.
Entrances today: Kremlin territory and a Kremlin Cathedral

Day 3 Moscow

Optional tours. After breakfast this morning, either enjoy free time on board, explore at your leisure or enjoy one of the optional excursions, which you may purchase on board. Return to the ship for lunch. Later this afternoon the ship sets sail. After welcome cocktail and dinner, take part in the Getting to Know You Show.
Entrances today: Only optional excursions today (not included)

Day 4 Uglich

After breakfast on board the MS Konstantin Fedin, morning activities might include a lesson on Russian traditional crafts, a Russian language lesson and Russian songs. After lunch, visit the town of Uglich on the Volga River, first documented in 1148. The town’s historical significance is due to the suspicious death of Dmitry Ivanov, son of Ivan the Terrible. Dmitry was exiled to Uglich after his father’s death in 1584 but was found dead in questionable circumstances seven years later. The Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, built in his memory, appears on the horizon as the ship sails towards the town and is one of the great sights to be seen in Uglich. The visit also includes a walking tour of the town, a visit to the territory, once the location of the former Kremlin and the Transfiguration cathedral.
Return to the ship to continue sailing along the Volga River. Dinner on board

Entrances today: Territory of the Kremlin, Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, Transfiguration Cathedral

Day 5 Yaroslavl

After breakfast, disembark for an excursion to the ancient city of Yaroslavl, founded in 1010 by Yaroslav Mudri (Yaroslav the Wise). Enjoy a visit to the Fine Arts Museum, situated in the former Governor’s House, as well as visiting the main sights of the city during a panoramic bus tour. There will be time to visit the Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in 1620 and to have some free time exploring the local markets. Return to the boat before setting sail and enjoying lunch as you cruise. During the course of the afternoon, enjoy some of the on board activities which may include a Classical concert, a Russian Tea Party or take part in the dance class.

Entrances today: Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, interactive tour to former Governor’s House (Art Gallery).

Day 6 Goritsy

After breakfast, this morning enjoy more activities, for example blini and vodka tasting (optional extra) then disembark for a shore excursion in Goritsy, a tiny village settlement on the edge of the White Lake. The main attractions in Goritsy are the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and the Goritsy Nunnery. The Monastery was founded in 1397 and is an impressive ensemble of priories, churches and historical references. The Goritsy Nunnery is much smaller than the Monastery and was founded later in 1544. Return to the MS Konstantin Fedin for lunch and then we are ready to set sail. Learn some new skills this afternoon in the Matryoshka painting lesson before dinner.

Entrances today: Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, museum of icons

Day 7 Kizhi

Activities this morning may include a classical concert, a Russian language lesson, a Captain’s Bridge tour before enjoying lunch. Disembark to visit the Island of Kizhi located in Lake Onega. The island has been made famous by its collection of wooden churches with the centrepiece, the 22 domed Church of the Transfiguration, built completely without the use of nails. The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the highlight of any Russian river cruise. Return to the boat before setting sail for the evening.
Dinner tonight, with a demonstration of Russian National costume.

Day 8 Mandrogui

Route information and a Q and A session will take place this morning before enjoying a visit to the historical village of Mandrogui, located to the north of St Petersburg on the shores of the River Svir. The village is a representation of traditional Russian life with wooden buildings, a vodka museum and craft centre. Visitors can also see local recipes being made and visit the farms which are tended by the local villagers. A traditionally Russian lunch of shashlik (barbequed kebabs), can be enjoyed before returning to the ship. There will be a Russian Language lesson in the afternoon and a film about the cruise before tonight’s Captains Dinner with a glass of champagne, followed by this evening’s talent show.

Days 9 – 11 St. Petersburg

After breakfast on board, prepare for a full day of exploration of the wonderful city of St Petersburg. On our panoramic city tour by coach, take in some of the most famous sights including the Exchange, Palace Square and the magnificent Winter Palace, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood and Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main thoroughfare. Entry is included to the Peter and Paul Fortress today. Lunch in a restaurant in the city centre, before heading for an excursion to the world-renowned Hermitage museum. A magnificent collection of art is housed in the winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the largest museums in the world and founded in 1764, its collection includes over 2.7 million items.
Dinner on board, there will be the opportunity for eveing excursions such as a visit to a ballet or folk show, or St Petersburg by night.

Day 10 St. Petersburg

Today enjoy freedom to explore independently or join one of the optional tours offered on board (we do not have the advance information of tours to be offered)

Day 11 St. Petersburg

St Petersburg. A visit to the Lower Park at Peterhof (Petrodvorets) this morning to see the magnificent fountain cascades and views of the Grand Palace. Return to the MS Konstantin Fedin for lunch on board. Guests have the opportunity to transfer to the city centre to enjoy free time to explore. Your final dinner on board this evening, with your fellow travellers and new found friends.
An optional rivers and canal cruise will be available for those who would like to explore St Petersburg from the water.

Entrance today: Peterhof Lower Park (NOT palace)

Day 12 St. Petersburg – departure

After breakfast on board, check out and disembarkation.
Onward transfer to the airport or rail station (not included, you may pre-book).
For pre-and post-tour extensions in Russia or beyond, please ask us for suggestions and a quotation

IMPORTANT – The daily itinerary is not finalised and the order of visits may be changed locally

2018 Itinerary – St Petersburg to Moscow (11 Days)

Day 1 St. Petersburg

You can pre-book a transfer to take you from the airport or rail station to the MS Konstantin Fedin, your home for the next 10 nights.
This evening, there will be an information briefing on board.
Enjoy your first evening aboard with dinner, then live piano music in the bar.

Day 2 St. Petersburg

After breakfast on board, prepare to explore the wonderful city of St Petersburg on our panoramic city tour. The tour by coach will take in some of the most famous sights including the Exchange, Palace Square and the magnificent Winter Palace, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood and Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main thoroughfare. Included is a visit to Peter and Paul fortress and after lunch ashore, we visit the world- renowned Hermitage museum. A magnificent collection of art is housed in the winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the biggest museums in the world and founded in 1764, its collection includes over 2.7 million items.
After dinner on board, those who selected ballet, folk show, or the rivers and canal cruise from the optional excursions offered during the information briefing will depart for the city.

Entrances today: Peter and Paul Fortress and Hermitage museum

Day 3 St. Petersburg

After breakfast, an optional excursion (for example) to Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin and the lower park of Petrodvorets (not included). Located 29km south of St. Petersburg, the construction of a Palace for Empress Catherine started in 1717. The Palace is truly spectacular with rooms decorated with gold leaf, a portrait hall and the famous, beautifully restored Amber Room. As part of this tour, a visit to the lower Park at Petrodvorets will allow you to see the magnificent fountains and views of the Grand Palace (not included). Return to the MS MS Konstantin Fedin and depart for Mandrogui.
In the evening meet the staff and crew during the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail, before enjoying dinner, followed by live music in the bar.

Entrances today: Only optional excursions today (not included)

Day 4 Mandrogui

After morning exercises (optional) and breakfast on board, there will be a visit to the historical village of Mandrogui, located to the north of St Petersburg on the shores of the River Svir. The village is a representation of traditional Russian life with wooden buildings, a vodka museum and craft centre. Visitors can also see local recipes being made and visit the farms which are tended by the local villagers. Enjoy a traditionally Russian lunch of shashlik (barbequed kebabs), before returning to the ship. There will be a Russian Language as well as a Russian dance lesson in the afternoon, before dinner and live and folk music in the bar.

Day 5 Kizhi

After breakfast, disembark to visit the Island of Kizhi located in Lake Onega. The island has been made famous by its collection of wooden churches with the centrepiece, the 22 domed Church of the Transfiguration, built completely without the use of nails. The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the highlight of any Russian river cruise. Return to the boat to set sail before lunch, and experience an afternoon of activities, which may include a tea ceremony, classical concert or Russian language lesson before enjoying dinner and musicians concert.

Day 6

This morning disembark for a shore excursion to Goritsy, a tiny village settlement on the edge of the White Lake. The main attractions in Goritsy are the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and the Goritsy Nunnery. The Monastery was founded in 1397 and is an impressive ensemble of priories, churches and historical references. The Goritsy Nunnery is much smaller than the Monastery and was founded later in 1544. Return to the MS Konstantin Fedin ready to set sail for Yaroslavl. After lunch, learn some new skills in the Matroyshka painting lesson, before dancing the afternoon away. Dinner tonight on board, followed by a concert and dancing.

Entrances today: Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, museum of icons

Day 7 Yaroslavl

After breakfast, a leisurely morning, then after lunch on board disembark for an excursion to the ancient city of Yaroslavl, founded in 1010 by Yaroslav Mudri (Yaroslav the Wise). Enjoy a visit to the Art Museum, situated in the former Governor’s House, as well as visiting the main sights of the city on a panoramic bus tour. There will be time to visit the Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in 1620 and to have some free time exploring the local markets. Return to the boat before setting sail and enjoying a Russian dinner as you cruise. Folk music and dancing in the bar.

Entrances today: Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, interactive tour to former Governor’s House (Art Gallery)

Day 8 Uglich

After breakfast, visit the town of Uglich on the Volga River, first documented in 1148. The town’s historical significance is due to the suspicious death of Dmitry Ivanov, son of Ivan the Terrible. Dmitry was exiled to Uglich after his father’s death in 1584 but was found dead in questionable circumstances seven years later. The Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, built in his memory, appears on the horizon as the ship sails towards the town and is one of the great sights to be seen in Uglich. The visit also includes a walking tour of the town, a visit to the territory, once the location of the former Kremlin and the Transfiguration cathedral. Lunch will be on board the MS Konstantin Fedin, followed by afternoon activities which will include a lesson on Russian traditional crafts, a Russian language lesson and Russian songs. In the evening, you can relax as you enjoy the Captain’s Dinner, followed by the talent show which is open to everyone!

Entrances today: Territory of the Kremlin, Dmitry on the Blood Church, Transfiguration Cathedral

Day 9 Moscow

After breakfast on board, there will be a film about the cruise and a Q and A session with the crew about the Russian Reality. After lunch, you begin your discovery of the capital city of Russia, during a panoramic city tour of Moscow (no entrances) . Take in some of the iconic sights, such as Red Square with St Basil’s cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin. The tour will also pass by the Novodevichy Convent and will stop at Sparrow Hills to allow panoramic views over Moscow. Return to the ship for dinner.
Tonight you could choose to join the Moscow by night and metro tour (optional, not included) or stay on board for music and dancing in the bar.

Day 10 Moscow

After breakfast this morning, explore within the Kremlin walls to see the former residence of the Russian Tsars, discover the huge Tsar’s Cannon and Bell and visit one of the magnificent cathedrals housed within Cathedral Square. You then have the option to enjoy free time in Russia’s beautiful capital. Return to the ship for lunch before returning to the city for one of the optional tours, such as Novodevichy Convent or the Museum of Contemporary History, or simply enjoy free time to explore. Tonight is your final dinner on-board, and music in the bar.

Entrances today: Kremlin and one cathedral

Day 11 Moscow departure

After breakfast on board, check out and disembarkation.
Onward transfer to the airport or rail station (not included, you may pre-book).

IMPORTANT – The daily itinerary is not finalised and the order of visits may be changed locally